Dean C. Kaler, 80, of Milton, died Saturday, January 13, 2024, at his home. Dean married Gail B. (Sheets) Kaler on September 13, 1980.
Born May 22, 1943, in Bath, ME., he was a son of the late Clinton and Gladys (Rines) Kaler. Dean was a US Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam era. He attended art school in Portland, ME. In his early years he worked at multiple gas stations in Wiscasset and later was employed for Central Maine Power Company, Bath Iron Works, Bath, ME., and retired from Lewisburg Penitentiary. Dean lived a life full of ever changing interests. Most recently, he loved playing games with his wife, and rather unfairly, quit while he was ahead in their years long marbles tournament, winning by two. Before MS took his mobility, he enjoyed drag racing, sky gazing, wood carving, photography, skiing, go-karting, leather working, wood burning, pin-striping, and customizing motorcycles. Most importantly, he valued time with his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife Gail is a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Ellysa Kaler, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Zachary West, of Montoursville; two step-daughters, Lorri Beaver, of Redding, CA, and Holly Britton, of Fayetteville, NC; three grandchildren, Kelly Kaler, Kenny Kaler, and Piper West; four step grandchildren, Cole, Michelle, Caylin, and Teagan; and three step great grandchildren; a sister, Joan Kaler (Stuart Wright), of Wiscasset, ME; and numerous in- laws, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by a stepson, Wayne Merrifield; a brother, James Kaler; and a step-grandson, Kenneth Beaver.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home – Hughesville, 557 E. Water St. Hughesville. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dean’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjudes.org/donate or to the Milton Fire Company Ambulance, 121 Ridge Street, Milton, PA, 17847.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.
